Dubai Financial Market Sets Provisional Holiday Dates for Eid al-Fitr 2025

Mar, 26 2025

The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has unveiled its tentative holiday schedule to mark Eid al-Fitr 2025. This move aligns the closure of financial activities with the broader UAE private sector's observances. Eid al-Fitr, a significant Islamic celebration following Ramadan, often brings about temporary halts in business operations across the country.

The DFM's plan, as outlined in their official circular, sets the holiday period from March 30 to April 1, 2025. During these days, trading and settlement activities within the securities market will come to a standstill. However, this schedule isn't set in stone. The dates hinge on the sighting of the moon, a method traditionally used to determine the end of Ramadan, making these dates provisional.

This means that the securities market closure might extend to April 2 if Ramadan concludes on its longer cycle of 30 days, as confirmed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The Ministry has ensured that private sector employees will have a three-day paid holiday, extendable in this scenario.

DFM's announcement underlines how Islamic holidays, such as Eid, require flexibility, often necessitating adjustments to schedules through additional circulars closer to the date. Employers are urged to communicate these potential changes clearly and prepare their operational plans accordingly. This ensures smooth workflow before and after the holiday period.

While the securities market will halt, it's important to note that derivatives contracts are excluded from this closure. This falls in line with the regularity of financial market holidays in Dubai, where the UAE's standard weekend covers Saturday and Sunday. NASDAQ Dubai, operating under the DFM structure, will also observe the holiday, with plans for reopening on Wednesday, April 2, should the schedule remain unchanged.

This announcement not only affects traders and businesses but also reflects on the cultural significance of Eid in the UAE. Businesses will need to plan around potential shifts in operations during this festive period, ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page about the start and end of this significant time of year.